What is dual banked slalom?
I · Intermediate · Racing · 3 of 4In dual banked slalom two riders race side by side on matched banked courses, red on the left and blue on the right, 250 to 350 m long and 6 to 7 m apart. A timed qualification seeds a knockout bracket. In the finals only the gap at the finish is timed, and the first rider home goes through.
How it works
- Courses: two, as identical as possible.
- Colours: red left, blue right.
- Length: 250 to 350 m.
- Gap: 6 to 7 m.
- Qualification: one run, two runs or an elimination run.
- Finals: two riders per heat.
- Timing: gap at the finish only.
- Start call: "red course ready, blue course ready, attention".
The glossary has the dual banked slalom, the heat elimination runs, the dual banked slalom team, the gate, the ties and the start commands.
Tricky cases
Do riders swap courses in qualification?
In the elimination format, yes, for the second run.
Can the second run start on a delay?
Yes, by the first run's time difference, if that start method is chosen.
The gate jams. Result?
The start is repeated.
Is there a team version?
Yes, the dual banked slalom team.
Why the rule exists
Side-by-side racing turns a time trial into a duel spectators can follow.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Courses | Red and blue | R 1413.5 |
| Finals | Gap timed | R 1413.15 |
| Start | Simultaneous or delayed | R 1413.7.1 |
From the rule book
FIS, International Competition Rules, Para Snowboard (July 2026), articles 1413.1 to 1413.16. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: FIS ICR Para Snowboard and Para Snowboard Classification Rules.